K-Pop Star Park Nam-jung Opens Up About Leaving the Entertainment Industry and His Daughters' Careers

Park Nam-jung, a prominent singer from the late 1980s, recently shared insights into his life and the reasons behind his departure from the entertainment industry.

In a recent video titled '[Nagomab] The Reason Park Nam-jung Left the Entertainment Industry' on the YouTube channel 'Byungjin's Brother,' Park candidly discussed his personal journey and family.

Particularly noteworthy were updates on his two daughters. His eldest daughter, Park Si-eun, is currently active as a member of the idol group STAYC, while his younger daughter, Park Si-woo, is pursuing a career in acting. Recently, Park Nam-jung appeared with his daughter on tvN STORY's 'My Child's Love'.

Park explained, "During my hiatus from the entertainment industry, my daughter was born in 2001. People around me were curious about the baby, which led me to appear on broadcasts again, and from there, I resumed my activities."

Regarding his younger daughter, Park Si-woo, he shared, "At some point, she started practicing on her own, submitted her work to schools, and was accepted into five universities for acting." He proudly mentioned her acceptance into the Korea National University of Arts' School of Drama, adding humorously, "She missed the exam at Chung-Ang University because she went to the wrong campus." He also noted, "My eldest daughter is currently studying in the Department of Theater at Chung-Ang University."

Reflecting on his peak years, Park Nam-jung recalled, "Back then, there were hardly any male solo dance singers, so I had no competition, which made it easier to rise to fame."

However, he also faced challenges behind the glamour. Park revealed, "After my contract ended, I thought, 'It's time to stop.' I was under a lot of stress, visited hospitals, and felt I had no personal life."

He admitted, "At that time, I didn't realize the value of what I had. I assumed that releasing a song would naturally lead to a number one hit," expressing some regret. He concluded, "I plan to retire from singing by the end of this year. My body can't handle it anymore."

Meanwhile, Park Nam-jung married former model Heo Eun-joo in 1999, and they have two daughters: Park Si-eun, a member of STAYC, and Park Si-woo, an aspiring actress.

Kim Eun-jung, Ten Asia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr